Summer, oh summer! It’s certainly one of the best seasons of the year but it’s also one of the busiest as well. Specially if you happen to live on the beautiful island of Martha’s Vineyard. 

This year Breastfeeding World hosted its third annual Martha’s Vineyard Big Latch On and boy was it a good one. Back on August 5^th, 16 Martha’s Vineyard breastfeeding moms came together once again to make this event a great one.

Some new faces and some returning mothers who year by year make these events well worth it.

One of the special things I love about our Martha’s Vineyard Latch On is how intimate and empowering it always is. I’ve been able to see how these mamas and babes grow in their journeys and this year I had the opportunity to photograph the same ladies I met back in 2015 when we held our very first Breastfeeding World photo session on the island.

This time around, they came with their new babes and a full-term nursling. (Kudos to Sarah and Mili, you make us proud!).

The beauty of breastfeeding and motherhood is that each journey is completely different and unique in its own way. Not only from mother to mother but from baby to baby as well. No matter how many books you may read or how many classes you may attend to, by the time that the baby comes you might be very informed as to what is about to happen but, are you really ready? Probably not.

During this year’s Martha’s Vineyard Big Latch On a momma told me she wasn’t sure whether or not I would continue on with the events due to me not nursing anymore… Let me take the chance and tell you all a short version of my story, the one probably none of you know….

My sweet mini-me was born on this gorgeous island, surrounded by beautiful landscapes that make this location THE place to be during summer.  My experience with giving birth was astounding, I went in not feeling prepared but my birthing team at the Hospital was amazing.

I was very fortunate, although my baby’s father was not present and I was/am a single momma, I had more than what I had wished for: I had my mother and my sister next to me, they were part of my unmedicated natural birth and everything that came thereafter.

I can assure you that without them my breastfeeding journey would’ve only been a few weeks affair.

My mother Bella and my sister Shelyn, two breastfeeding veterans with 8 children altogether knew exactly what to do in my moments of despair. With tears in my eyes I recall one time begging them to take my baby away because the pain of nursing and cracked nipples was unbearable. (Can you relate?)

Mom would cook all the healthy foods that my body needed to recover while Shelyn would help me take care of the baby. My mama would pass on some old wives’ tales from Ecuador while teaching me some great breastfeeding techniques and some massages to relief engorgement and potential clogged ducts.

With their support I made it past the challenging first three weeks of breastfeeding. Tears flowing down my face on several occasions but they never let me quit when I wanted to.

Our next milestone was 6 months, we made it. One full year, we made it. Eighteen months, we made it. Two years, we made it… until we kind of stopped keeping track.

My sweet mini-me nursed for 4 ½ years and weaned off earlier this year. Was it a bumpy ride? HELL YASS! Was it worth it? Every minute of it.

Today, as we lay down to sleep, (we bedshare baby!) there are nights where she turns looking for her ‘tities’. She knows that no milk comes out but she feels safe and that’s all that matters.

Did I encounter criticism for nursing beyond 2 years? Yes. Was it uncomfortable? At times, yes. Did it matter at the end? No. My baby has grown to be a sweet child who is happy and smiles quite often, she knows that mommy works so hard on Breastfeeding World and she loves helping me every way she can.

To you my sweet mama, who wasn’t sure the events would continue because I stopped nursing… Oh YES they will!

Little mini-me was who inspired me to start Breastfeeding World in the first place, our journey through breastfeeding and motherhood in general is what kept me going. Getting to know women who identified with each other in many ways was my fuel to push through.

Although we stopped nursing this year there are thousands of new mothers (and existing ones) that are going through their breastfeeding & motherhood journeys and they Need. Us. 

Breastfeeding World is bigger than my baby and I because now, all of you are part of its history as well as its success.

The Martha’s Vineyard Big Latch On is all about celebrating you, strong women and mothers who lift each other up. No matter in what phase of your motherhood journey you may be in, at some point you will need the support system that I thankfully had and that is what we aim to be for you all: the encouraging voice that pushes you through all the obstacles.

Let us all celebrate these amazing Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms, you are amazing!

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

Celebrating Martha’s Vineyard Breastfeeding Moms

2018 Breastfeeding World’s sponsors

On August 5, over 180 mothers and 480 Breastfeeding supporters gathered to nurse their babies, discover resources, and finally, celebrate!

Families came from all over for Central Indiana’s Breastfeeding World 2017 Big Latch On in Central Indiana.

Why a huge event, about something so simple as feeding a child? Breastfeeding moms, feeding babies? What’s the big deal?

Because, even though breastfeeding is natural, it isn’t always simple. And even though motherhood is beautiful, it is also challenging. And messy. And even a little lonely. So yes, the latch, the bond, the breastfeeding, it’s why we gather. It’s why we support one other. But Breastfeeding World’s 2017 Big Latch On Events are more than that. These breastfeeding celebrations are about Unity. Here, we discover we are not alone in our breastfeeding journeys. Together, we are uniting in Motherhood.

After all, our children are the reasons we began this journey to begin with.

I love that once I arrived, my sense of loneliness went away. I felt empowered and supported. My family and my husband love that I breastfeed, but none of them support me nursing wherever, whenever.

I loved that I could feed my former NICU baby without fear of being ridiculed for not finding a bathroom or backseat of a hot uncomfortable car. It felt normal. I felt normal, like how it should feel. Just a regular mom, going about her normal business feeding her baby the “normal” way.” -Jessica Down

Here is the 2017 Big Latch On Final Count!

Central Indiana’s 2107 Big Latch On isn’t the only location working to build community support for breastfeeding. Not only did Breastfeeding World proudly host coast-to-coast Latch On’s. Families joined together in  Martha’s Vineyard, NYC, Central Indiana, and Downtown Seattle. These Breastfeeding World organized events culminated to almost 300 Latches, and over 1000 breastfeeding supporters. Yet, we were part of an even larger movement.

This year The Global Big Latch On registered 725 locations across 23 countries. The final count numbers ended with:

17,790 children breastfeeding during the one-minute count

18,036 breastfeeding women attended

What an amazing feeling, to sit among so many moms in your community, feeding your babies. Then adding to that feeling, knowing that you are joining in unity with families from all over the world! You can find out more about this year’s global events here.

Impacting our Community

I didn’t know why at first, but I drove home with tears. Mainly because I was so proud to be apart of something like this, considering my breastfeeding journey. It was so very difficult in the start. I felt comfortable after a big even though I came alone! I didn’t win any raffles, but I was a part of something bigger than any gift. Cassidy and I have survived almost 6 months of this journey together and I got to share that with 180+ other mothers.” -Andrea Kernodle-McCauley

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This past August 4^th Breastfeeding World celebrated its Second Annual Big Latch On on Martha’s Vineyard.

Thanks to the wonderful participation of our community members we were able to beat our 2016 record by having 21 nursing mothers join us in the synchronized latch on at 10:30 am as well as a total of 60 attendees.

Months of planning and organizing brought yet another successful event to our island community with our goal of promoting but most importantly supporting our local breastfeeding moms.

Each year Breastfeeding World works hard to be able to bring breastfeeding awareness and support through our web portal, our photography project as well as our successful events. With out teams of volunteers we strive to give back to our local communities by giving them the opportunity to enjoy a day to celebrate breastfeeding, to share their experiences and to meet other mommies that are going through the same.

“My favorite part was meeting so many amazing moms, hearing their stories and being able to breastfeed comfortably with no judgment.” – said Jessica Mawjeski  a 2017 MV Attendee.

The best part of our events is that we not only integrate our moms and dads but also other family members. A good support system for a nursing mother is extremely important for her success, specially during the first few months after giving birth.

Making History, One Event at a Time

We are so pleased to introduce Breastfeeding World’s first ever Downtown Seattle Big Latch On! For the first time, the volunteers and passionate mamas at Breastfeeding World can’t believe we get to host Big Latch On events from Coast to Coast. Starting from intimate Martha’s Vineyard, to iconic Times Square, to sprawling Central Indiana, and now Seattle! Our project is expanding our reach to communities across the USA.Together, we can empower breastfeeding families in each area!

Normalizing breastfeeding is very important to me, but I was going about it the wrong way. Why did I decide to let my inner warrior go? I’d like to share my story with you.

I’ll admit, when it comes to dealing with life’s challenges, I have always been more of a furied fighter than a patient yogi. If I have a vision I go for it. Quickly.

But when my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child, the warrior in me relaxed. I took off my armour and settled into my safe place.

Even in the womb, I could feel how this baby was shifting my priorities.

I was shifting away from “not gonna let anyone stop me,” and towards, “appreciate this moment before it’s gone.”

It’s amazing how new life creates new ways of looking at life.

Then the baby arrived.

And I was caught totally off guard by a battle I never expected. My sword and shield were packed away in a closet so when the first shot flew at me I was shocked.

“Your baby won’t get enough nourishment if you breastfeed like that.”

Huh?

I slowly lifted my head up from my newfound mindfulness.

“It’s really unsafe to sleep with your baby.”

What? Another one?

“If you breastfeed too much your baby will be spoiled.”

Yikes. This was really happening.

Then, on the news, “Woman accused of indecent exposure for breastfeeding her baby in public.”

That’s it.

Forget mindfulness.

The warrior in me was back.

Every time I went out with my baby, my eyes darted around like a cat sensing danger, ready to retaliate if necessary.

On an airplane, I saw a woman nursing with a cover. I wondered why. Who would say something if she took it off? I was ready to defend her. And breastfeeding.

I learned about the other warrior mothers out there, just trying to raise and feed their babies the way they choose. Court cases, pumping laws, talk show hosts who tell their viewers to “be discrete.”

“Breastfeed Wherever You Want.” The ad for a Latch On that was held in Rome this past May.

I learned that this battle is so big that women need to join forces in Latch Ons around the globe, just to get the message out there that this. is. normal.

To learn about Breastfeeding World’s Big Latch Ons that will take place on August 4th and 5th, 2017, visit our home page.

I live in Italy and I can tell you that the struggle is real here, too. The ad for a Latch On in Rome shows a breastfeeding mother with the ultimate warrior look.  And here’s a video of a Latch On in Bologna.

Like all these mothers I was reading about and getting to know at La Leche League meetings, I was on a mission. The mission was to normalize breastfeeding. To educate. To defend my choices in motherhood.

I memorized my breastfeeding rights in case anyone challenged me.

I didn’t buy a nursing cover.

The pediatrician told me that my child was “too dependent” on me and I flipped out.

Back off, people!

So I started firing back. I was waving my sword around like a mad woman.

I preached the benefits of breastfeeding to whomever would listen (especially pregnant women). And I was ready to attack whoever challenged the bond, the antibodies, the right to feed my baby the way I wanted to.

I had to win. Yet, I was so confused as to why this was even an issue.

And then.

It was quiet.

In part because I ran out of ammunition. In part because I realized that I was firing randomly and “the enemy” was actually not on the battlefield.

I thought that there were a bunch of people out to get me. Out to change me.

But really there was just an absence of knowledge and experience.

In so many families, breastfeeding is not normal. Many pediatricians are not trained in the physiology of breastfeeding.

But no one is out to get me, really. A lot of people just don’t know. They don’t know what a gift this is.

They don’t know that giving my milk to my babies, like pregnancy and giving birth, is like pure magic.

I put down my sword and shield.

And I picked up my baby.

I unfurrowed my brow.

And shifted my focus.

There is no war. Only ignorance. I can’t fight ignorance.

I can educate, but I can’t force that either.

All I can do is breastfeed my babies, with a smile, knowing that I am doing what’s right and good for us.

The critics will come and go, and I’ll hear their words. But their words won’t hurt me, because I know that they are coming from a place of “unknowing.”

People can sense if you are living your life with calm resolution. The naysayers will have less and less to say if they realize that this, for me, is a non-issue.

I’m just going about my business, breastfeeding or not, pacifier or not, co-sleeping or not, when I want, where I want, how I want.

I’m still a warrior at heart, and living in the moment is still something that I have to consciously choose, but at least I have left this battle behind.

With the Third Annual Times Square NYC Big Latch On approaching, I applaud all of you mothers who proudly breastfeed, showing the world what is normal, natural, not always easy, but magical.

We can make this normal again. And there doesn’t need to be a battle. Just a bunch of mothers breastfeeding will do. With a smile. In peace. Together.

What about you? How do you normalize breastfeeding? Please share your experiences with us in the comments below. It would make my day.

Did you like this article? Don’t forget to pin it!

Be sure to join us in our social media accounts and be up to date with the progress of our project!

And… Don’t forget to share your brelfies using our hashtag

#BreastfeedingWorld

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Last year over 200 mothers gathers on the red steps of Times Square in New York City and nursed their babies, together being a part of New York City’s, Second Annual Times Square Big Latch On

This year, Breastfeeding World is bringing the Big Latch On to New Yorkers again! With the help of our volunteers, sponsors, and donors, we are “Spreading The Breastfeeding Love” in New York by hosting this year’s third annual Times Square Big Latch On and Community Event!

On August 5^th, 2017, at exactly 10am, mothers and babies (and/or their pumps) will gather on the red steps in Times Square, New York City. In that moment, we will unite as one with thousands of mothers across the World to Normalize Breastfeeding.

What is the Global Big Latch On?

Global Big Latch On events take place at registered locations around the world, where women gather together to breastfeed and offer peer support to each other. Their friends, family and community join this celebration to promote and support breastfeeding. Volunteers from within the community host each location, hosting a Global Big Latch On event creates a lasting support network for your community

Find out more on their website

Last Year’s Latch On’s

Last year was Breastfeeding World’s first year organizing Tri-State Level Events. We hosted Latch On’s in Hamilton County, Martha’s Vineyard, and of course here, in Times Square, NYC. United as one, we celebrated Breastfeeding within our unique, amazing communities.

Check out our promotional video from last year, created by our founder Alexia Garcia of Allegares Photography:

What Can You Expect From This Year’s Times Square, New York City Big Latch On?

Upon arrival, check in for nursing mamas will begin at 9 am. Please be sure to give yourself enough time to navigate the streets of Manhattan, transportation or parking. Registration will be found at the red steps, simply look for the teal Breastfeeding World shirts! After registration, we will gather on the steps and prepare for the big moment, the Latch On, which will begin at 10am sharp. After the final count has been made and photographs of our Big Latch have been taken, as a group, we will walk over to Bryant Park (On 6^th Ave, between 40^th and 42^nd St) for the Community Event!

Don’t Leave After The Latch On! The Fun Is Only Just Getting Started. Join Us At Bryant Park For The Breastfeeding World NYC Community Event!

As every mother who has ever put a babe to the breast knows, Breastfeeding isn’t just about the latch. The same goes with our event – it’s not only about the latch here either! It’s about self-care, finding support, discovering our village, and, naturally, the FREE STUFF!

I know, I know, free stuff has nothing to do with breastfeeding. But, what kind of awesome event doesn’t have free stuff right!? Our supportive sponsors have each donated a raffle item for our participants and their families. Every mother who is pre-registered will get a free raffle ticket, along with a swag bag, filled with amazing goodies from our sponsors! Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase for $1 each.

How To Participate In This Year’s

Times Square, NYC’s Big Latch On